The stairs in your home receive a lot of traffic on a daily basis, which is a major factor when deciding between carpeted or wood stairs. Homeowners will find advantages and disadvantages to both. Carpeted stairs help prevent slipping and falls and are noise insulators. Take into account your family’s needs and your budget when you make your decision.
Carpeted Stairs
Carpeted stairs offer several advantages to homeowners. Carpeting on the stairs provides better footing for all who use them, especially for young children and older persons. The friction and grip from the carpet reduces the possibility of falling and is a shock absorber, reducing stress on the joints for older adults. Carpeting is a noise insulator, reducing the loud clomping as family members go up and down the stairs. In many homes stairs are a focal point in the entryway. Carpeting provides a warm, inviting appearance that adds to the décor of the home. Maintaining the condition of carpets requires regular vacuuming and shampooing.
Carpeted Runners
To incorporate the advantages of carpeted stairs with the natural beauty of wood, a carpet runner is an option. A runner is a carpet piece that covers the center of the stairs while leaving the wood stair treads exposed on the edges. The runner increases the safety factor on wood stairs and reduces noise. Installing a stair runner is less expensive than carpeting the whole staircase. Carpet runners may match the rest of the carpeting in the home or be of a design or color that complements it.